Live music radio show presenter to call it a day
LOCAL live music campaigner Martin Hovden is hanging up his headphones and stepping down as presenter of Live Sounds on Mighty Radio.
Martin, who previously wrote a popular Live Sounds music column for the Southport Visiter, said: “After a great deal of thought, I’ve decided to step down as presenter of Live Sounds. But the great news is, the show will continue under the stewardship of my brilliant copresenter Cameron Maerevoet.
“Live Sounds celebrates two anniversaries this year: it’s 15 years since I started it as a column in the Southport Champion and Southport Visiter; and 10 years ago I began hosting a radio version of Live Sounds with Southport Community Radio, Dune FM and now Mighty Radio. And I thank all of them – including my Live Sounds co-presenters past and present – for that opportunity.
“I’m extremely proud of those two anniversaries, but I think now – at the age of 67 – is a good time to hand over the reins to a younger person.
“I want to give a huge thank-you to the hundreds of local bands and singers who either appeared in the column, on the show or both. We have so many wonderful, talented musicians of all ages out there and they deserve the support and encouragement of their local community. The simple premise of Live Sounds is to give them that support by providing a platform for them to share their amazing music with a wider audience.”
Martin will be presenting one more Live Sounds show next Tuesday from 6pm with guests Some Time Today, then after a short break Cameron will return with a new series of the show.
He said: “As a journalist I spent 40 years in local newspapers, and 10 years in local radio. Now I’m really enjoying the challenge of social media, especially Youtube. I’m determined to start making short news videos about the wonderful area we all live in. So watch this space.”